Friday, August 15, 2014

Finding "hidden" sweepstakes in any promotion is like a treasure hunt. Many sweepstakes are so widely advertised (such as the ones from Publisher's Clearing House) that most anyone, whether they have anything to do with sweepstakes or not, will be aware of them. Others will be tucked away inside a promotion of some type, and not everybody will find these.

You may need to read through some promotional fine print to find any one of these, or you may find some just by flipping through what junk mail you get, but when you find one, there's the treasure. These sweepstakes are not advertised to the general populace, therefore the odds generally would be better than most, and the prizes are often unique to the sponsor, such as a product that they sell or make themselves.

This being the case, occasionally these sweepstakes will not be run as professionally as some of the even more prominent ones, so the rules can be somewhat vague, making it a challenge to perceive what they may be wanting. In some cases, you will want to pass, as not all will be legitimate. Though, even with a vague set of rules, if you are uncertain, there are things to watch for that a legitimate sweepstakes will offer. These can include a definite start and end date, a specific prize with its own value stated (if not in the main promotion, then in the official rules), the location where the sweepstakes will be valid ( such as "open to legal residents of the fifty United States", or something of the like.), and things of this nature.

To find hidden sweepstakes, you will need to use some different techniques than you would for widely advertised sweeps. Whereas the more widely known ones will commonly be found to be available through internet searches, your favorite magazines, sweepstakes newsletters, or your local newspaper, the hidden ones are something you must train yourself to look for in daily living.

Some place you may find these hidden treasures can be:

Newsletter sign-ups

Check the newsletter sign-up area of your favorite websites or publications. Some sweepstakes are specifically for subscribers, and can't be entered any other way. Technically, this is another type of drawing, however, these are commonly referred to as sweepstakes anyway. You might find something about these in the fine print about any newsletter you wish to sign up for.

Junk mail

This applies to the flats and other perceived junk mail delivered by the post office, as well as any online advertising or promotional material you might be receiving by email, though it does not include spam (this is a whole different scenario). In glancing through the promotional material, you may find web addresses for giveaways, or ways to enter for prizes by postal mail. Should you find something, be sure to read through it thoroughly to see if you will be opening yourself up to receiving any unwanted mail/email. Some will have these things as an option, for others, it is something of a qualifier for entry.

Sweepstakes newsletters

Any specific sweepstakes newsletter will sometimes have contacts that will bring them new and unusual sweepstakes that don't get out to the general public in any other fashion other than by the newsletter itself, and by word of mouth. Though it isn't always easy to tell one of these from the next one, you will find that some sweepstakes will only be listed in one newsletter, and not the rest. These can also be hidden gems that will offer a variety of unusual and interesting prizes.

Labels

Product labels can often contain a lot of information that most would never take the time to read, including the sweepstakes that many would never find... so reading labels can also be a good way of finding those hidden treasures.

Banner ads

Though this may seem like a no-brainer, it really isn't. Banner ads are often one of those things that a person just "tunes out" and ignores. Once you remember to notice banners ads, and to click through for sweepstakes, you will open up yet another abundant resource.

Once you've got your mind open to doing these things, it really doesn't need to take much time. A quick glance through will often be enough to give you those hidden treasures you've been seeking!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Today', it's a virtual retreat to a cabin in the woods. Take your pick of destinations with the prize from World Fishing Network. Then, there's a nice boat to get out on the water in from Mack's. Once your back on dry land, Wired2Fish has a detailing kit to keep that boat looking nice. Lastly, the bonus sweeps offers a Jackson kayak and some other fun things, for leisurely quiet time out on the water, once your day is done.

* Grand prize is a War Eagle War Hawk 544 Boata, 25hp EvinrudeE-TEC boat motor, and a Diamond City Trailer. Total ARV $8,699.

One entry per email address per day. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. (excluding AZ, FL, NY, RI, Puerto Rico, all U.S. territories and possessions, and all overseas military installations), 18 or older and the age of majority in their state of residence. Ends December 23, 2014.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

It's Twofer Tuesday! Today you can get two instant wins for the price of one! But wait, there's more! With these two instant wins, you also get a bonus instant win! Don't wait! Act now, before these sweeps expire!

* 20,725 prizes of a Wellesse coupon, each. Coupons are in the amount of $4, $5, or $6, each.

One entry per person/email address/mobile number/ authorized Facebook account holder. Open to legal residents residing in the 50 United States and D.C., 18 or older and the age of majority in their state of residence. Ends August 31, 2014.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Today, you will find that Hot Wheels is back with a fabulous new sweeps, for which the prize is a new car! Who couldn't use a new car? Along with this, musicians and friends of musicians will find something to tickle their fancy, in the Sweetwater sweeps. Lastly, vacationers looking for a hot spot to play, can play right now, for the chance to win and play in Jamaica!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Today's contest is short and sweet, and it could win your dog a birthday gift! The rules are bare minimum. Take a picture of your dog, and upload it to "America's Funniest Home Videos" on their contest page. Pics are then put up for voting, so if you have lots of people to vote for your pet, be sure to share it!

* Winners will receive a knitted doggy birthday hat. No ARV is stated.